by Richard Uhlhorn
HDCA REVITALIZATION:
City Council members heard a presentation to update the council on the Historic Downtown Chelan Association’s (HDCA) revitalization efforts.
Steve Clark, a HDCA board member, told the Council that they know there are things that need to be fixed, rehabilitated and addressed.
The HDCA and City are partnering to advance the City’s Comprehensive Plan initiatives, identified Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) projects, and the Downtown Master Plan initiatives.
Dan Ireland from SCJ Alliance told the council that the project is staying consistent with the HDCA’s Main Street Program to increase economic vitality, keep view corridors and connections between amenities. “People are spending more time downtown,” said ? “There have been a lot of changes over the years. Pubic outreach is very important.”
The Public Survey conducted earlier this year had 1,600 responses from a broad cross section of residents.
The wish list includes more food trucks, lighting and wider sidewalks. “Walk-ability is a big issue here,” said Ireland “What people wanted to see was an expansion of sidewalks. They want a more walkable downtown.”
Outdoor dining options was also high on the list along with the quality of life in the downtown corridors.
Mayor Bob Goedde may be the only City official who doesn’t want to see Chelan change. He would prefer the downtown area remain the same as it has been since 1965. “Let’s take it to the Post Office and see what residents say,” said Goedde. “There are a lot of questions to answer.”
John Olson stated that everyone in town is aware of traffic changes and the unintended consequences.
AIRPORT:
City Administrator Wade Ferris said the next step in the proposed Airport revisions is for the Council to approve the Airport Layout Plan which has been reviewed by all FAA divisions with no further comments.
When the documents are all approved by all parties, the next step is conducting an Environmental Assessment.
Erin McCardle asked what the time of the EA was and Ferris replied there was no estimate on timing. He added that easements needed to be acquired and property purchased for the extension of the runway that will accommodate larger aircraft including business jets.
The costs will be borne by both the City and the Port of Chelan County as owners of the airport.
Mayor Goedde stated that everything is coming up and that there is a possibility to do everything in one stroke. The City is waiting on funding for a water line to the airport which, when it happens will change the entire area.
Tim Hollingsworth asked by the City was spending money on the airport. “We haven’t seen the economic impact.” Mayor Goedde replied that people are coming back and forth. “This needs to happen.” Ferris added that the project would also bring the airport up to FAA standards.
MOTION CONSIDERATIONS:
The Council authorized the Mayor to finalize and execute the 2022 – 2024 agreement for animal control with the Wenatchee Valley Humane Society.
Council also authorized the Mayor to finalize the City’s agreement for Prosecution Services.
Council authorized the Mayor to finalize and execute an amendment of the No. 1 Water System Plan which will incorporate waterlines to the airport.
The Council also authorized the Mayor to finalize and execute and agreement with RH2 Engineers for investigating undergrounding dry utilities during construction of the downtown alley utility project.
Rate and Fee changes:
For residential properties that have a Accessory Dwelling Unit on the property, the City will not add an additional charge in addition to that of the primary residence and no additional sanitation charges will be applied beyond that of the primary residence.
Parks Director Paul Horne told the Council that there would be an overall seven percent increase on parking with an all day rate of $30 with residential day passes going from $10 to $20.
The Fall Season rates at the Lakeshore RV park from Labor Day through September 30 will be charged as follows:
2022 – RV, $54 – Tent, $40
2023 – RV, $62 – Tent, $46
2024 – RV, $74 – Tent, $53
Winter monthly rates from October 1 to April are as follows:
2022 – $798; 2023 – $910; and 2024 – $1039
Hollingsworth said there had been a lot of discussion regarding the RV Park and Ty Witt added that $1000.00 a month for a RV spot was too much. “It seems like a lot of money for a family in need of a place to pay.”
Horne replied that the Parks Department was trying to attract a good balance of families that need a place to rent.
All Things Lake Chelan 